Carolina Panthers’ sixth-round pick Amare Barno is the first draft pick from this year’s 2022 class to sign a rookie contract, the team announced on Tuesday.
The 189th overall pick signed a standard four-year rookie deal.
Through two seasons as a standout pass rusher for the Virginia Tech Hokies, Barno logged 48 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss and 10.0 sacks. With a 4.36 40-yard-dash time at these year’s combine, the 246 lbs DE was the fastest defensive lineman in this year’s class.
The Panthers shared a video of Barno just after he signed his rookie deal.
“Hey everybody, this is Amare Barno. Just came to sign my contract. Can’t wait to get to work. Keep Pounding,” he said.
Barno was one of the Panthers’ six picks in this year’s draft. The Carolina organization also picked up offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu (No. 6), quarterback Matt Corral (No. 94), linebacker Brandon Smith (No. 120), offensive lineman Cade Mays (No. 199) and cornerback Kalon Barnes (No. 242).